Budget brides: Plan a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank

Weddings in the U.S. in 2009 will cost an average of $30,860, according to estimates by the Bridal Association of America.

In today’s economy, many engaged couples and their families don’t have that type of money for a wedding and are looking for ideas to plan a beautiful day while keeping costs to a minimum.

For years, frugal brides have found ways to keep wedding costs under control without their guests ever suspecting it. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Laura Knapp

Weddings in the U.S. in 2009 will cost an average of $30,860, according to estimates by the Bridal Association of America.

In today’s economy, many engaged couples and their families don’t have that type of money for a wedding and are looking for ideas to plan a beautiful day while keeping costs to a minimum.

For years, frugal brides have found ways to keep wedding costs under control without their guests ever suspecting it. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Date

The first thing a couple can do to cut down expenses is choose a date in the months that are less popular for a wedding. Choosing an off-peak time gives more negotiating power with the banquet hall, caterer, florist and wedding cake designer.

Picking a day in November, December, January or February (except for Valentine’s Day) can save 20 to 30 percent on the total cost of their wedding.

Guest list

Paring down the number of guests invited to the wedding can help save money when it comes to the reception.

According to Chicago-area wedding consultant Julie Clark, owner of Elegant Events by Julie, per-plate cost at a reception in the Chicago suburbs runs between $74 and $100. “And you can’t go under $140 per plate in the city,” she said.

If a couple decides to have the reception at a banquet hall, cutting back the guest list by even 10 people can save around $1,000.

Invitations

The cost of wedding invitations can run from $3 to $9 each. Many craft stores sell do-it-yourself invitations that can cost as little as $1.50 each.

The American Bridal Association estimates the average wedding in 2009 will have 169 guests. If a wedding falls around this size, using do-it-yourself invitations could save anywhere from $250 to more than $1,200.

Dress

Brides can find designer wedding dresses at dramatically reduced prices by shopping at discount stores during designer sales. Designers’ Web sites will provide a list of sales, and local bridal salons often have e-mail lists that alert brides to discounts.

With some good hunting, a bride can find a designer dress that would normally sell for $2,000 for as little as $249.

Meal

Hiring a caterer rather than booking a banquet hall is a good way to cut per-plate meal costs, Clark said. The price per plate can be nearly half of what a banquet hall would charge. Depending on the caterer and the menu chosen, savings could amount to as much as $5,000 for a wedding with 100 guests.

Keep in mind that while some caterers provide tables and chairs for the couple’s venue, many do not, Clark advised. Therefore, the couple would have to rent – and pay for – those things themselves.

Cake

Instead of having a large, tiered wedding cake to serve all the guests, a couple can opt to have a small wedding cake for the traditional slicing and serve their guests from a sheet cake.

The guests won’t know the difference, and the newlyweds could save around $400 to $500 with this alternative, Clark said.

Alcohol

If the couple offers champagne at the bar as a choice instead of serving a glass to every guest, they can reduce champagne consumption by 30 percent to 50 percent. Since champagne is usually an expensive drink, this could lower their total beverage cost.

By offering mid-grade liquor rather than both mid-grade and premium, a couple can save 10 percent to 15 percent on the bar bill.

Instead of bottles of wine on the table during dinner, bulk wine served in carafes can cut wine costs by 50 percent.

Flowers

“Bridesmaids bouquets can cost from $60 to $75 each,” Clark said. Many brides are opting to have bridesmaids carry a single elegant calla lily or hydrangeas instead of bouquets to keep costs down, she added.

If a bride has five bridesmaids, forgoing bouquets in favor of single flowers can save around $200.

Photographer

Photography packages can run from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. These packages often include up to eight hours of coverage and an additional photographer or assistant.

A couple can go with a basic package for less than $500, which would include only one to four hours of coverage by one photographer. Then, they can place disposable cameras on the tables and let guests record the rest of the evening with their own fun photos.

A basic photography package with disposable cameras can save newlyweds from $400 to $2,400.

Music

While a live band can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, a typical D.J. charges between $600 to $1,200. This means if couples hire a D.J. instead of a band, they could save at least $300, if not thousands of dollars.

Cost savings could be even higher when you consider that you’d have to purchase meals for band members and rent a stage.